In search for low contrast developer for FP4

Hi all,

So I have embarked on masking, have reasonable results for BW negatives and creating masks for them using Ortho film. I can achieve nice low contrast masks with 0.3 du

I am planning to do the same for C41 negative with using Ilford FP4 to create masks. I know Ctein recommends Muir SoftShot developer, however finding the chemicals in UK is a bit of problem. Is there such developers can be used as a substitute to Muir SoftShot. I use PQ Universal for Ortho film and can achieve similar density range however at those densities, pan films tend to turn brown rather than grey, which can be problem for colour correction.

Your help is much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Fatih

For Muir Softshot, Ctein lists:
• Phenidone
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
• Sodium sulfite
• Edwal Liquid Orthazite (2% benzotriazole)
• Isopropyl alcohol (drugstore grade)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

I buy raw chemicals through eBay in the UK. I think you will find all of the above that way.

Otherwise, I think @DREW WILEY is the man who can answer this!

I have tried that already, sadly cannot find Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Fatih Ayoglu said:

I have tried that already, sadly cannot find Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Click to expand...

You can use the equimolar amount of sodium hydroxide.

EDIT: use 40g of sodium hydroxide for every 56g of potassium hydroxide.